Seamus Whelan & Stephen Gale successfully defended their Ronaldsway Fours title with help from Harry Minor & Tony Quine after the round-robin saw every match got right to the last bowl.

The opening match saw Gale’s side up against Chris Holland, Eric Maddocks, Sylvia Maddrell & Bernard Kaighin and with Holland’s four taking a 6 on the second end fought back to within 1 point after six ends. Holland extended the lead to 8-6 on the penultimate end but a tense last end, which saw Eric Maddocks kill the end first time round, Gale managed to draw to lie 2 on, but despite a chance to repeat the same shot to take the win, he went through to leave the match tied 8-8.

Gale’s side then came up again Stephen Bradley, Sheila Durcan, David Cottier & Bernie Durcan with the latter playing some great bowls end after end which saw Durcan’s side go into a 5-1 lead. A 4 on the sixth end drew Gale’s team level before another single put Durcan back in front with one end to play. Knowing they need a win to have any chance Gale played his last bowl and forced Durcan’s bowl out to leave them 4 on and take the match 9-6.

The final match of the competition saw Durcan’s team come up against Chris Holland’s side, with Holland knowing a victory by 4 shots or more would see them crowned Champions. Things were looking good after five ends as the led 8-3 but a single on the sixth end and then a terrific 4 on the seventh saw Durcan’s side draw level. With the scores tied at 8-8 a 3 for Holland’s side would have seen them claim the title on ‘shots scored’ but more great bowling from Bernie Durcan saw them claim a single point to finish in second place with a 9-8 victory and leave Seamus Whelan, Tony Quine, Harry Minor & Stephen Gale as champions.

Next week is the start of the new look Haldane Fisher Fours League fixtures will be published on www.manxshortmatbowls.com later in the week.